Training Exercises for Horses

Horse training includes conditioning for both fitness and skill improvement. Horses must be trained for at least 2 hours per day to remain in good condition. While there are any number of exercises that will develop a horse's endurance, skills, and agility, exercises should be chosen that will teach good habits and build skills for practical use.

  1. Backing in Circles

    • Backing in circles helps teaches the animal agility. From the ground, using a halter and lead rope, instruct the horse to back up normally. Standing on the outside, as the horse lifts its outside front leg, encourage the animal to step to the inside (away from you) by applying pressure to its side as it moves backward. Continue to repeat the process until the horse is moving smoothly. When the horse has achieved some proficiency, mount and attempt the exercise by using your legs to direct its movement.

    Lungeing

    • Lungeing uses a rope to control a horse while it moves in a circle, without a rider. Lungeing is effective for training the animal for fitness, for moving at different speeds, and for changing direction. The trainer stands still while holding the end of the lead rope, called a lunge line, encouraging the horse to move in a circle with vocalizations and signaling it with the lunge line. The trainer may also use a lungeing whip, which is used only as a means of signaling the animal. Young horses under the age of 3 years should not be lunged, as the constant motion of running in a circle can damage their joints.

    Spiraling

    • Spiraling improves the horse's lateral agility and responsiveness to the rider's leg signals. Using a lead rope, or while mounted, direct the horse to move forward, in continually tighter circles until it reaches a center point. Reverse direction and work the horse to the outside, back to the starting point. Try to maintain a constant speed throughout the exercise. Once the horse is accustomed to spiraling at a walk, move up to the trot and canter.